Friendly hosts, private lodges and more than 1 million acres of publicly accessible hunting land within the primary pheasant range welcome residents and non-residents alike. And pheasant hunters aren’t the only ones who flock to this world-class hunting haven: South Dakota also offers opportunities to hunt big game, waterfowl, turkey and more.
To experience hunting in South Dakota is to find paradise in the middle of America. Come make some memories of your own this year. Come hunt in SD.
Pheasant Hunting
Home to more than 7 million pheasants, South Dakota is consistently the best state in the country for bird counts. That's just one reason why people come from all over the world to Hunt the Greatest.
Hunting Licenses
Visit the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks website to learn about the different types of hunting licenses available to residents and nonresidents, and to obtain your license today.
Where to Hunt in South Dakota
In South Dakota, there’s more to hunting than just feathers and shells
For many, a South Dakota hunting trip is a beautiful reunion. Friends and family travel from far-off distances to make their annual pilgrimage home. In the field, you’ll hear the sounds of laughter amid crunching stalks and happy dogs. You’ll see generations of experience guiding and teaching the young hunters in the party, showing them how to properly handle their weapons and aim just right in order to land their first bird. After a good day’s hunt, folks gather around tables across South Dakota to share food, stories and laughter.
Sure, some hunting stories get politely exaggerated every year. Some shots don’t always hit the target. But no matter what, everything combines to create a consistently magical gathering of old friends and new.
The Travel South Dakota Stories
Episode 10: Heroes of the Hunt
Tag along with hunters, anglers, bird dogs and guides in the Missouri River region to see how South Dakota’s hunting and fishing traditions have been kept alive through time.
Join the Hunt #SDINTHEFIELD
Share your South Dakota hunting, fishing, hiking and camping photos and videos. Show off your game or catch. Share your new favorite trail. Celebrate an outdoor evening’s view. If it’s worth shooting, it’s worth sharing.
